International energy software firm Powwr uses its benefits package to support employees at financial pressure points.
It employs 80 members of staff, with its primary base in the UK, and operates internationally through smaller teams in the US and Brazil.
The firm takes a proactive and holistic approach to supporting employees’ mental and financial wellbeing during seasonal and life-stage pressure points such as Christmas, Easter, other religious festivals, and family holidays. It acknowledges that these can create financial strain and makes it clear that there is support available for this.
For example, in the new year, it runs guidance sessions linked to pay reviews and bonuses to help employees understand how those changes can contribute to longer-term financial goals, explains Clair Staines, head of people and talent at Powwr.
“We also tailor support to personal circumstances; recently two team members went on maternity leave and we proactively shared guidance early on, knowing they would likely want personalised coaching around month six when planning their return,” she says.
It further supports financial wellbeing through its partnership with Octopus Money, which provides personalised financial coaching. This helps employees achieve their money goals whether that is by managing day-to-day finances, understanding pensions, preparing for parental leave, or planning to buy a first home.
Additional benefits include salary sacrifice arrangements, discounts on everyday purchases, and flexible hours during school holidays, ensuring staff feel supported throughout the year. It also offers confidential employee assistance programmes and wellbeing platforms for 24/7 counselling, stress management tools, and virtual health services, with awareness campaigns and manager training.
“We’ve evolved our approach to financial wellbeing to make it more flexible, personalised, and impactful,” says Staines. ”This complements our broader wellbeing strategy, ensuring that during life-stage and seasonal pressure points, staff feel supported both emotionally and financially, in ways that truly fit around their lives.”
Powwr offers benefits to help employees build saving habits and manage their finances effectively, such as its health cash plan that allows staff to claim back everyday costs such as dental appointments and eye care. It also actively educates employees about salary sacrifice for pensions, helps them reclaim overpaid tax, and addresses common knowledge gaps around payslips, car finance, interest rates and annual percentage rates.
The organisation finds that its engagement surveys consistently show that even its highly capable professionals can find these areas confusing, so it focuses on making financial literacy accessible and relevant. It also feels it is important to offer this support because financial stress impacts everyone, regardless of role or experience.
“The reality is that most people don’t receive proper financial education early on,” says Staines. ”That’s why we offer a pension to all employees, including interns, and start conversations early, even if people eventually opt out. As part of onboarding, every new joiner gets access to Octopus Money.”
She adds that ultimately, financial knowledge gives people control, and with that comes confidence and better wellbeing.
“That’s why we believe this support isn’t just a benefit, it’s a foundation for helping our people thrive. One of the most powerful things we can do is help people manage what they already have more effectively,” Staines says.
